Jonas Gutierrez has insisted Argentina must start to look forward and forget their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ failure under Diego Maradona.

Argentina were one of the teams of the tournament in South Africa until running into Germany in a quarter-final where they were thrashed 4-0. The defeat resulted in Maradona's downfall as the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) opted not to renew his contract.

While AFA conduct what could be a lengthy process to unearth Maradona's successor, 2008 Olympic gold medal-winning coach Sergio Batista has been placed in temporary charge. Newcastle midfielder Gutierrez believes tomorrow's friendly against the Republic of Ireland in their new Aviva Stadium is the perfect opportunity to make a fresh start.

"It was a disappointing World Cup," said Gutierrez. "We had a good squad, good players, but Germany played a fantastic game against us and they beat us well. Losing Maradona has also been hard, but we can't do anything about that now, so we have to prepare for the next game.

"We have to think about playing our best for Batista right now, and then for whoever is in charge when we play in the Copa America in 10 months' time," he went on.  "Playing Ireland is a very good game for us, a hard game, and it will be a challenge in their new stadium."

We had a good squad, good players, but Germany played a fantastic game against us and they beat us well.
Jonas Gutierrez on Argentina's FIFA World Cup

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta also feels it is vital the players get back on track following their humbling experience at the hands of Germany. "It's our first game after Maradona has gone, so for us it's a very important game, a great challenge," Zabaleta said. "Ireland had a bad experience against France in trying to qualify for the World Cup but we know they have great players in the squad, many playing in the Premier League, so tomorrow will be a great game."

Zabaleta, meanwhile, sees no reason not to stay at City this season despite the fierce competition for places at Eastlands. "Yes, of course, why not?" added the 25-year-old. "I'm happy and really enjoying it in England. The Premier League is a fantastic league."

As for Gutierrez, he is convinced Newcastle will comfortably hold their own in the English Premier League this season following their promotion from the Championship. "We start with two hard games against Manchester United and Aston Villa," added Gutierrez. "It's going to be a very hard, long league, but we are aiming to be in the middle of the table.

"You have a few teams who are very good, the big four, then Spurs, Aston Villa and Manchester City," he went on. "But we know we have qualities and we are going to fight for the top places."